The community based model of hockey in Minnesota is in many ways the envy of hockey throughout the nation and even across the world. For that model to be successful, our communities rely on people who are willing to donate their time to enable kids to play hockey.

Each year, Minnesota Hockey recognizes individuals with the prestigious Don Clark Award, given to those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to help grow the game and develop youth hockey within the state over the period of many years.

At Minnesota Hockey’s 2015 Awards Banquet held on April 18, we honored not one, but two individuals who have done just that: Peter Lindberg and Walter Bush.

Peter Lindberg

Among the group of coveted volunteers that selflessly give their heart and soul to make the game a better experience for hundreds and thousands of kids, many of whom they never meet, Lindberg stands out as one of the best.

Lindberg has volunteered his time for over 45 years, serving as President of Minnesota Hockey, a USA Hockey District Director from Minnesota and over 30 years as a member of USA Hockey’s Board of Directors. He’s also served the unique role as USA Hockey Vice President, Legal Council Chairperson, as well as serving 25 years on the organization’s Executive Committee and as the Chair of USA Hockey’s Legal Council.

Beyond his work in Minnesota and with USA Hockey, Lindberg also served as an Arbitrator for the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the top legal tribunal for determining international sports disputes in the world, as recognized by the International Olympic Committee – a role which he served for over 25 years.

Lindberg has been recognized for his work in multiple ways, including recognition from the Governor of Minnesota, Mark Dayton, on June 7, 2014 for his 45 years of excellent service to Minnesota and USA Hockey.

Outside of hockey, Judge Lindberg has dedicated years to the bench, serving the State of Minnesota as the Fourth Judicial District Judge for over 25 years, including five years as the Chief Judge and, subsequently, as a Judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

It’s truly an honor to count Lindberg as one of our own. Thank you, Peter, for your constant and continued dedication over the years.

Walter Bush

This year, we also honor Walter Bush for his all-encompassing efforts to help develop the game in Minnesota. He’s been a player, coach, manager, administrator, team owner and, finally, USA Hockey President.

Bush has been an integral member of USA Hockey since 1959 when he first served as a member of the Board of Directors. In 1986 he was named USA Hockey’s President, a role he served for 17 years, before becoming Chairman of the Board in 2003, a position he fills to this day.

His influence has continuously been far-reaching. Before retiring in 2008, he served as a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation Council for 23 years. Though he served on many committees, one of his most notable contributions to the sport was organizing the first IIHF Women’s World Championship, as well as successfully leading the charge to make the women’s game a medal sport in the Olympic Winter Games.

Locally, Bush secured Minnesota as a National Hockey League destination, helping land a franchise in the Twin Cities – the Minnesota North Stars. Bush spent 17 years in the NHL, serving on a variety of committees, including North Stars President from 1976-87, and later Chairman of the Board. He also served as President of the Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association for three years prior to his NHL involvement, and owned a minor league team, the Minneapolis Bruins from 1963-65.

Bush’s resume is teeming with honors, including the Olympic Order from the International Olympic Committee, the NHL’s 1973 Lester Patrick Award, enshrinement in the United State Hockey Hall of Fame in 1980, election to the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame in 1989 and USA Hockey’s National Headquarters were named after him in 1999.

To call Bush one of our own is a great honor. Thank you, Walter, for all that you have done and continue to do for our beloved game.